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How to Book a Southwest Road Trip

How to · Travel

How to Book a Southwest Road Trip

How to see the red rocks and desert landscapes on a realistic budget, paid off over 18 months.

Typical cost $3,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $166.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $3,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Driving past giant saguaros and red rock canyons is one of those trips you need to do at least once. The best times to go are spring or fall, when the desert heat won't melt your car's tires or your patience. You get cool nights, warm days, and empty highway stretches that look like movie sets.

A solid two-week loop through places like Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona runs about $3,000 for gas, parks, and cool retro motels. Instead of dropping that cash all at once, we can split the cost over a year and a half without paying extra for the privilege.

Here is the catch you need to keep in mind. The 18-month window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the promotional period ends, you will face the card's regular interest rate on whatever is left, which quickly erases your savings.

The steps

  1. 01

    Time it for the shoulder season

    Aim for October or April. Summer in the desert is brutal, and winter can bring actual snow to higher altitudes like the Grand Canyon rim. Going in the shoulder season gives you perfect hiking weather and keeps your car from overheating.

  2. 02

    Map out the loop

    Start and end in a hub like Las Vegas or Phoenix to keep rental car fees lower. A classic route takes you through Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, and Sedona. Keep drive times under four hours a day so you actually enjoy the road.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost safely

    We can use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card to cover the big upfront costs like car rentals and lodging. It offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If you spend $3,000 on the trip, you just need to pay $166.67 per month to clear it before the interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Book your basecamps early

    National park lodges fill up a year in advance, but you can find great vintage motels just outside the park gates. Look for places with free breakfast and a fridge to keep your cooler ice fresh. It saves you a ton of cash on food.

  5. 05

    Buy the annual park pass

    Do not buy individual entry tickets at every park gate. Grab the America the Beautiful pass for $80 instead. It gets your whole car into every national park and monument for a full year, paying for itself by your third stop.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

When is the cheapest time to do this road trip?

Late fall and early spring are your best bets. You avoid the peak summer crowds, which means cheaper car rentals and lower rates at motels outside the parks.

How much should I budget for gas?

Expect to drive at least 1,000 miles. At average desert prices, budget about $200 to $300 for fuel depending on your vehicle's mileage. Keep your tank half full since gas stations can be rare in the desert.

What exactly does the 0% interest offer apply to?

The card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. This means any trip expenses you charge during this window will not accrue interest as long as you pay them off before the period ends.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle for the Southwest?

Not for the main sights. Standard paved roads will take you right up to the famous overlooks in Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. You only need 4WD if you plan to tackle unpaved backcountry tracks.